Perspective:

Women with previous preeclampsia are known to be at increased risk for future development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study adds to our understanding of women with severe preeclampsia by: (1) demonstrating that a diagnosis of hypertension is common as early as 1 year after delivery; and (2) a substantial number of women with underlying hypertension may only be diagnosed using ABPM, and would potentially be missed by office measurement alone. Despite awareness of preeclampsia as a risk factor for future CVD, few studies have assessed the method, timing, and frequency of post-partum screening. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Task Force on Hypertension in Pregnancy recommends annual BP, lipid, fasting blood glucose, and body mass index measurement among women with complicated preeclampsia (defined as either recurrent preeclampsia or preeclampsia associated with preterm delivery). The authors of this study suggest that women with a history of severe preeclampsia should be offered ABPM, which seems reasonable. Further studies about the effectiveness of screening and prevention of CVD in this high-risk population are needed.